Chipmaker Intel unveiled its new high-performance central processing unit at the recent Leipzig Games Convention in Germany.
The Intel Core 2 Extreme X7900 was shown to members of the press and industry ahead of the official opening of Europe’s biggest show for interactive entertainment.
Laptops from Dell and Asus are equipped with the new dual-core processor, which is aimed at gaming and other highly demanding operations. The new model contains powerful graphics processors and high-speed memory capabilities that meet the demands of today’s most sophisticated computer games.
The central processing unit’s two cores run at a rate of 2,6 gigahertz, but can be tuned up to 3,4 gigahertz, according to Intel.
The new processor comes on the market as more and more of Germany’s 14,8-million gamers are opting for mobile games. The proportion has grown from 5% 2005 to 21% this year, said Karen Regis, Intel marketing manager.
The new processor is just one of 225 new products that made their debut at the Games Convention, which this year attracted 503 exhibitors from 35 nations.
Industry giants Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo all displayed their wares along with software specialists Electronic Arts and newcomers to the scene like Intenium.
The show also marked the European debut of the elite version of Microsoft’s Xbox 360.
A prominent expert on addiction at Berlin’s Charitee Hospital warned that excessive use of computer games could turn young players into addicts.
”Addicts slowly change their lifestyle. They spend all their time sitting in front of a computer instead of taking part in sporting activities or going out with friends,” said Sabine Gruesser-Sinopoli.
”They think of nothing else but games. Some experience withdrawal symptoms like nervousness or sleeping disorders if they are prevented from playing,” she told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper. — Sapa-dpa